Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples: A Cozy Fall Dessert

There’s something truly magical about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup baking together. It’s the kind of scent that fills your home with warmth and comfort, making you want to grab a blanket, a good book, and a spoon. These Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples are the ultimate fall dessert—soft, tender apples filled with a rich, caramel-like cinnamon maple filling. They’re naturally sweetened, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for everything from weeknight treats to holiday gatherings.

Best of all? You can serve them however you like! Enjoy them on their own, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even as a cozy breakfast with yogurt and granola. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – No fancy ingredients, just simple, wholesome goodness.
• Naturally sweetened – Maple syrup adds deep, rich flavor without refined sugar.
• Perfectly spiced – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create the ultimate cozy taste.
• Customizable – Add nuts, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
• Versatile – Enjoy as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast!

What Do Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples Taste Like?

These baked apples are soft, but they still hold their shape, and every bite is bursting with warm cinnamon and maple flavors. The butter melts into the filling, creating a delicious caramel-like sauce that pools at the bottom of the baking dish—perfect for drizzling over the apples before serving!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Baked Apples:

• 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

For Serving (Optional but Recommended):

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• A drizzle of extra maple syrup
• A sprinkle of granola for crunch

Tools You’ll Need

• Apple corer or paring knife
• Baking dish
• Small mixing bowl
• Spoon for filling the apples
• Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)

How to Make Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish to prevent sticking.

Using an apple corer or a small paring knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving about ½ inch of the bottom intact to hold the filling. If needed, use a spoon to scoop out any extra seeds.

Step 2: Make the Maple Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using). If adding nuts or dried fruit, stir them into the mixture.

Step 3: Fill the Apples

Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. Spoon equal amounts of the maple cinnamon mixture into the hollowed-out centers of each apple.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour about ½ cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam and keep the apples moist. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the apples are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The sauce will be bubbling, and the tops will be slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Serve Warm & Enjoy!

Let the apples cool for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the delicious sauce from the bottom of the dish over each apple. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup.

What to Serve with Baked Apples

These baked apples are already incredible on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even better:

• With Ice Cream – Vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream is perfect.
• With Yogurt – For a healthier option, top with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
• With Oatmeal – Slice leftovers over warm oatmeal for a cozy breakfast.
• With Caramel Sauce – A drizzle of caramel takes these apples to the next level.

Tips for the Best Baked Apples

• Choose firm apples – Softer apples may turn mushy while baking. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji are ideal.
• Don’t overbake – Check at the 30-minute mark to prevent the apples from collapsing.
• Add a little crunch – Chopped pecans or walnuts give an extra texture contrast.
• Use fresh cinnamon – It makes all the difference in flavor!

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes.

Freeze: Not recommended, as the apples become too soft when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes! Honey works well as a substitute for maple syrup.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, checking halfway through.

Can I use a different fruit?
Pears also work wonderfully in this recipe!

What if I don’t have an apple corer?
Use a small paring knife and a spoon to carefully remove the core.

More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love

• Lemon Raspberry Scones – A perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, ideal for breakfast or tea time.
• Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread – Soft, moist, and packed with cinnamon sugar goodness—like a donut in bread form!
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls – A sweet, gooey treat with a cheesecake twist that you won’t be able to resist!

Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Fall Dessert

These Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples are warm, cozy, and full of fall flavors. They’re easy to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for any occasion—from a simple weeknight treat to a Thanksgiving dessert.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below.

Happy baking! 🍏🍂✨